Electrical Conductivity Values Research Articles

Statistical evaluation and quality analysis of water resources around quarry site in Abuja Suburban Nigeria

Water resources occupies vital position regarding the lifespan and general wellbeing humans while significant shortfalls on its reserves hinders almost all sustainable development globally. Most host communities to quarry companies without a water treatment plant are greatly affected by the use of water resources within its area. The present study highlights statistical evaluation and quality analysis of water resources around a quarry site in FCT Nigeria. The research engaged biological assay, physiological and chemical analysis to quantify contamination level of the water resources from obtained data which were also subjected to statistical analysis. The statistical tools employed are Pearson's Correlation, descriptive statistics, Levene's test for homogeneity and one–way analysis. The physiochemical analysis revealed the water resources to have high turbidity value in 58.3 % of sampled population while nitrate concentration and electrical conductivity value were very low. The bioassay revealed presence of coliform bacteria in 100 % of sampled population while thermotolerance count discovered disease-causing-pathogens in 41.7 % of sampled population. Chemical analysis revealed that Pb, Cr, Ni and As were 91.7 %, 83.3 % 100 % and 100 % above recommended permissible limits for sampled population. These results suggests that water resources in this study is unsafe and holds a health-treat with regards to the contaminations inherent in them. Statistical evaluation revealed average positive linear relationship between heavy metal concentration suggesting close relationship of contamination source. Observed strong positive linear relationship between lead and copper, nickel and chromium as well as nickel and arsenic in the scatterplot depicts same source of contamination.

Morphological and Doping Effects on Electrical Conductivity of Aluminum Metal Substrate through Pulsed Electrodeposition Coating of Cu-MWCNT

The demand for more efficient and sustainable electrical systems has driven research in the quest for innovative materials that enhance the properties of electrical conductors. This study investigated the influence of copper (Cu) coating and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on aluminum metal substrate through the pulsed electrodeposition technique. Parameters such as the concentration of chemical elements, current, voltage, temperature, time, and electrode spacing were optimized in search of improving the nanocomposite coating. The metallic substrate underwent anodization as surface preparation for coating. Characterization techniques employed included Field Emission Gun—Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM) for analyzing coating morphology, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and Kelvin probe for obtaining surface electrical conductivity values. Homogeneous dispersion of the Cu-MWCNTs film coating was achieved across the entire surface of the aluminum plate, creating a complex morphology. The doping effect was highlighted by changes in the vibrational characteristics of the nanocomposite, which affected the Raman spectrum dispersion bands. An increase in surface electrical conductivity by ≈52.33% compared to the control sample was obtained. Therefore, these results indicate that the improvement in the material’s electrical properties is intrinsically related to the complex morphology achieved with the adopted Cu-MWCNT nanocomposite coating process.

Soilless Production of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in the Atacama Desert Using Fog Water: Water Quality and Produce Mineral Composition

Soilless vegetable production in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile is spreading since it is perceived as an alternative that requires much less water than open field soil production. However, strong competition between mining and urban use for human population consumption exists, forcing growers to use alternative water sources. Fog is commonly present in the coastal areas of Northern Chile; however, little information exists with regards to its chemical composition and the effect on nutrient quality of the produce. To address this knowledge gap, a set of experiments was carried out in Chañaral, a small town located in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile. There, a 200 m2 greenhouse equipped with twenty deep flow pools was used in two consecutive growing cycles. Water for the mixing of the nutrient solution was collected from the fog using fog-catchers and later stored in 2000-L tanks. Fog water quality (electrical conductivity, pH and mineral content) was monitored directly from the storage tanks. Two types of lettuce, green butterhead and red oak leaf, were compared on their yield and accumulation of nutrients and heavy metals. The results indicate that fog water is of good quality for soilless production, with an electrical conductivity value of 0.65 ± 0.18 and low content of heavy metals. Plants’ heavy metal accumulation is below the recommendation of Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization. Fog water presents as a viable water source for soilless production in Northern Chile.

Structural Integrity Analysis of Marine Dynamic Cables: Water Trees and Fatigue

Abstract Offshore power cables are typically designed to have a service life of around 25 years. A pattern is emerging where these cables only last 10 years or even as little as two. The main consensus as to why the service life is so short is due to a combination of fatigue and fretting/wear damages of the copper conductors and water treeing in the insulation material. This study presents a method that can be used to analyze the structural integrity of dynamic subsea power cables and estimate their service life determined by the factors above. The numerical simulation models developed and used to carry out global and local fatigue analyses of dynamic subsea power cables are presented, together with methods and models for assessing fretting, wear, and growth of water tree defects. A methodology for structural integrity assessment that includes all these factors is proposed. A dynamic subsea power cable connected to a wave energy converter is used as the case study for comparison of the service life when these factors are considered compared to when, e.g., the growth of water trees is excluded. A numerical sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the value of the seawater's electrical conductivity and the insulation material's threshold stress-intensity factor greatly influence the cable's service life.

Comparative study of physiochemical properties in Iranian multi-floral honeys: Local vs. commercial varieties

Iran, a leading honey-producing country, faces challenges in honey exports. This study aimed to evaluate the melissopalynological and physicochemical characteristics of local honeys belonging to Iranian flora, and compare them with Iranian commercial honeys. For this purpose, seven local honey samples were collected from Iran's renowned floristic regions, alongside seven commercial multi-floral honeys from a supermarket. Moisture content (MC), total solids (TS), pH, free acidity (FA), ash, electrical conductivity (EC), sugar profile, hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), diastase number (DN), and proline were assessed. The sugar profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a refractive index detector (HPLC-RID). Pollen analysis classified local honeys as multi-floral. The results revealed that MC, TS, pH, FA, ash, and EC values in both local and commercial samples conformed to approved standards (Codex Alimentarius and European Union). Two local and one commercial sample exclusively satisfied the sucrose standard level. Of the local honeys, two samples complied with HMF standard, while five fulfilled DN criterion, and four had proline values within acceptable ranges. Conversely, HMF (56.32–228.11 mg/kg), DN (3.13–7.22 Schade units/g), and proline (109.84–173.86 mg/kg) levels in all commercial samples failed to meet the standard. A significant correlation was found between ash and EC (r = 0.915, p < 0.01) in local honeys, whereas no strong correlation (r = 0.299) existed in commercial samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed that Iranian honeys lacked clustering by botanical origin, possibly due to extensive sugar adulteration or thermal treatment. Overall, study findings confirmed the significantly inferior quality of Iranian commercial honeys compared to local varieties, albeit some local samples also exhibited quality concerns. Accordingly, it is recommended that regulatory bodies provide periodic training for beekeepers and establish monitoring programs to enhance honey quality, thereby boosting Iran's share in the global honey export market.

Estimation of Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Arpa River Based Soil of Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

Abstract: This research explores the investigation and significance of electrical conductivity in the quality of agricultural soil. Soil electrical conductivity is an indirect measurement that is associated with several physical and chemical characteristics of soils. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil is directly correlated with the concentration of nutrients and inversely correlated with the soil depth. The soil electrical conductivity (EC) values are indicative of the salinity level in the soil. greater EC values correspond to greater salt concentrations in the soil, whereas lower EC values indicate lower salt concentrations. A total of six soil samples were collected from various points along the Arpa River and sent to the soil test laboratory for examination. All samples were analysed using conventional techniques. For this investigation, one of the crucial soil parameters that was taken into consideration is electrical conductivity (EC). The objective of this study is to assess agricultural land using electrical conductivity. The measured electrical conductivity ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 dS/m. The anticipated value is between 0 and 2 decisiemens per metre (dS/m). All soil samples exhibit a standard level of electrical conductivity. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurements and total dissolved solids (TDS) may be used to determine the necessary quantity of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilisers

Investigating the influence of eco-friendly approaches on saline soil traits and growth of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Soil salinization significantly impacts agricultural lands and crop productivity in the study area. Moreover, freshwater scarcity poses a significant obstacle to soil reclamation and agricultural production. Therefore, eco-friendly strategies must be adopted for agro-ecosystem sustainability under these conditions. A study conducted in 2022 and 2023 examined the interaction effects of various soil mulching materials (unmulched, white plastic, rice straw, and sawdust) and chitosan foliar spray application (control, 250 mg L-1 of normal chitosan, 125 mg L-1 of nano chitosan, and 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan) on the biochemical soil characteristics and productivity of common beans in clay-saline soil. Higher organic matter, available nutrient content, and total bacteria count in soils were found under organic mulching treatments (rice straw and sawdust). In contrast, the white plastic mulching treatment resulted in the lowest values of soil electrical conductivity (EC) and the highest soil water content. Conversely, chitosan foliar spray treatments had the least impact on the chemical properties of the soil. Plants sprayed with 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan exhibited higher chlorophyll content, plant height, fresh weight of shoots and roots, seed yield, and nutrient content compared to other chitosan foliar spray applications. All treatments studied led to a significant reduction in fungal communities and Na% in plants. The combined effect of organic mulch materials and foliar spray application of 62.5 mg L-1 nano chitosan appeared to enhance biochemical saline soil properties and common bean productivity.

IDENTIFICATION OF HYDROTHERMAL DISTRIBUTIONS USING THE WENNER-SCHLUMBERGER CONFIGURATION GEOELECTRIC METHOD IN LEMEU VILLAGE, LEBONG REGENCY, BENGKULU

The hot spring pool, Lemeu Village, Lebong Regency, is one of the geothermal fields. This research aims to identify the study area's geothermal potential and lithology. This is illustrated by the correlation method of resistivity and electrical conductivity values of rocks based on geoelectric measurements. This research uses the Wenner-Schlumberger configuration geoelectric method, as many as four tracks spread around the hot spring hill with a length of 480 meters, which are used to see variations in resistivity values that can indicate the presence of hydrothermal potential. The result is a 2D Resistivity model processed with Res2DinvX32 software. Based on the interpretation results, the subsurface rock lithology in each track is relatively similar in color, texture, grain size, and composition because it is around the hill. The Hulusimpang formation consists of clay, silty sand, tuff, andesite, basalt, and granite. Hydrothermal is found on lines 2 and 4 with resistivity values of 7.3 and 10.1 Ωm at a depth of 26 meters. Geothermal potential in the research area is divided into several temperature categories; some have low, medium, and high temperatures. In the research area, tracks 1 and 3 have low temperatures.

Electrical Conductivity Measurement in Human Liver Tissue: Assessment on Normal vs. Tumor Tissue and under In Vivo vs. Ex Vivo Conditions.

This study evaluated electrical conductivity in human liver tissue in the 3-1000 kHz frequency range to compare normal versus tumor tissues under in vivo versus ex vivo conditions. Previous informed consent was obtained from twenty patients undergoing liver resection in whom liver electrical conductivity was measured during surgery and after resection. We found higher electrical conductivity values in tumor tissues than in normal tissue in both in vivo (0.41 ± 0.10 vs. 0.13 ± 0.06 S/m) and ex vivo (0.27 ± 0.09 vs. 0.12 ± 0.07 S/m) conditions (at 3 kHz). The electric properties also showed a promising potential for distinguishing between different tissue types including metastasis, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic cirrhosis, and normal liver (both in vivo and ex vivo). At 3 kHz, in vivo electrical conductivity for cholangiocarcinoma, HCC, and metastasis were 0.35, 0.42 ± 0.13, and 0.41 ± 0.08 S/m, respectively, which differed significantly from each other (p < 0.05). These findings could potentially improve liver disease diagnostics through electrical conductivity measurements and treatment techniques involving electric fields. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size to refine the categorization and comparison processes across diverse human liver tissue types.

Characterization of Heavy Metal and Physico-chemical Profiling of Sewage Water Soil in Jaipur District, Rajasthan, India

Jaipur is the capital state of Rajasthan. During the year 2021, District Jaipur of 3 blocks (Chomu, Sanganer, and Shahpura) in 9 villages [Keshav Nagar (V1), Morija (V2), Nindola (V3), Goner (V4), Shrikishanpura (V5), Durgapura (V6), Shivpuri (V7), Manoharpur (V8), Nwalpura (V9)] were selected for estimation of physico-chemical properties and Heavy metal contamination in severage channels. A total of 9 samples were collected from 9 villages sewerage channels. This study aimed to analyze the physico-chemical properties of agricultural soil and irrigation water in three blocks of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The findings revealed significant variations in the physico-chemical properties of the agricultural soil and water in Chomu, Sanganer, and Shahpura. Standard methods were employed to assess the physico-chemical characteristics of soil samples contaminated with sewerage effluents in these regions, which exhibited considerable diversity. The pH levels of the soil samples were predominantly slightly acidic and alkaline ranging from 6.22 to 7.31. Electrical conductivity values varied between 0.41 to 0.62 mmhos/cm. The percentages of organic matter and organic carbon in the soil samples ranged from 0.17% to 0.25% and 0.29% to 0.43%, respectively. Additionally, the analysis included heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu). The soil samples were found to contain elevated levels of heavy metals, surpassing the permissible limits. The discharge of sewerage effluent into the environment, primarily originating from the textile industry, house, etc. constitutes are major source of pollution that can adversely impact the local flora and fauna. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effluent treatment measures before their release into the environment.

The spectral inversion model for electrical conductivity in mural plaster following phosphate erosion based on fractional order differentiation and novel spectral indices

The Dunhuang murals are a precious treasure of China’s cultural heritage, yet they have long been affected by salt damage. Traditional methods for detecting salt content are costly, inefficient, and may cause physical harm to the murals. Among current techniques for measuring salt content in murals, hyperspectral remote sensing technology offers a non-invasive, circumventing issues of high costs, low efficiency. Building on this, the study constructs an inversion model for the Electrical Conductivity (EC) values of mural plaster subjected to phosphate erosion, through the integration of Fractional Order Differentiation (FOD), a novel three-band spectral index, and the Partial Least Squares Regression algorithm. The specific research contents include: (1) Initially, in preparation for the experiments, the materials used to create the samples underwent a rigorous desalting process, and phosphate solutions were prepared using deionized water to ensure uniform experimental conditions and the accuracy of the results. These meticulous preprocessing steps guaranteed that the measured EC values exhibited a clear correlation with the phosphate content. Subsequently, by employing qualitative experimental analysis techniques, this study was able to more accurately simulate the real-world scenarios of mural plaster affected by salt damage, enabling a deeper investigation into the mechanisms by which salts inflict microscopic damage to murals. (2) Explores the absorption mechanisms and characteristic spectral bands of the Electrical Conductivity (EC) values measured after the phosphate erosion of mural plaster. By integrating the optimal spectral indices, a univariate linear regression model is constructed, providing a basis for the rapid quantitative measurement of electrical conductivity in murals. (3) By comparing the accuracy of the Phosphate Simple Ratio (PSR) and Phosphate Normalized Difference Index (PNDI) spectral indices based on the linear regression model, the first six orders of the highest accuracy spectral index were selected as the optimal three-band spectral index combination, used as explanatory variables, with mural plaster electrical conductivity as the response variable, employing the PLSR method to construct the mural phosphate content high-spectral feature inversion model. The study’s findings include: (1) Surfaces of samples deteriorated by phosphate erosion formed numerous irregularly shaped crystal clusters, exhibiting uneven characteristics. (2) By comparing the outcomes of different orders of fractional differentiation, it was found that the model performance reached its optimum at a 0.3 order of differentiation for both PSR and PNDI data, with a determination coefficient (Q2) of 0.728. (3) Utilizing PLSR, this study employed the previously determined optimal six-order three-band spectral index combination as explanatory variables, with salt content as the response variable, successfully constructing the high-spectral feature inversion model for mural electrical conductivity with a determination coefficient (Q2) of 0.815. This provides an effective technical means for monitoring the salt damage conditions of precious cultural heritage such as murals.

Study on the detection of active components in plasma-activated water and its storage stability

ABSTRACT In this study, the impact of different discharge time, discharge power, and storage time on the pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), electrical conductivity (EC), H2O2, and the physicochemical properties and the stability at 4°C were evaluated. With the increase of plasma discharge time and discharge power, all the values increased except pH value. There were no significant changes in the values of pH, ORP, and EC for 30 days storage at 4°C (p > 0.05). The concentrations of NO3 −, NO2 −, and H2O2 exhibited significant changes (p < 0.05) after stored for 5 days. The plasma discharge time and discharge power showed significant effects on the physicochemical properties and activity of PAW. Moreover, the concentrations of NO3 − and NO2 − significantly affected the storage stability of PAW at 4°C.

Evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking water using a quality index in Abyi Adi, Tigrai, Northern Ethiopia

High quality, safe and sufficient drinking water is essential for public health and well-being. However, the war on Tigrai damaged the water sources of communities and pose people to health problems. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the quality of water of the town of Abyi Adi, Tigrai, Northern Ethiopia using physicochemical and biological parameters and water quality indices. A total of 36 water samples were collected from four major water sources. The physicochemical and biological parameters were determined using standard analytical procedures for water analysis. The mean values of electrical conductivity and pH ranged from 273.63 to 881.27 μS/cm and 6.68 to 7.42, respectively. Moreover, the experimental results of major cations (Na+ = 3.70–14.77 mg/L and Ca2+ = 8.50–15.77 mg/L), and anions (HCO3− = 21.52–40.77 mg/L, Cl− = 13.56–40.29 mg/L, NO3− = 0.14–0.25 mg/L, NO2− = 0.24–0.76 mg/L and PO43− = 0.34–1.32 mg/L) were recorded below the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits set for drinking water. The water quality index (WQI) that is determined using a weighted arithmetic water quality index method (WAWQIM) was also found in the range of 5.3–37.2. Subsequently, all groundwater sources except Adibakla are classified as excellent or “A” rating. However, the total coliform of Maylomin and Chiny water sources were found to be 6.33 MPN/100 mL and 3.67 MPN/100 mL, respectively. Both are higher than the WHO permissible limit set for drinking water. Considering the susceptibility of groundwater to pollution and its impact to human health, regular monitoring and supervision should be performed to keep the water safe for drinking. Accordingly, chlorination water treatment process is recommended to provide safe drinking water.

A first principles study of stability, electronic and thermoelectric characteristics of novel high temperature half- heusler alloys ScAgX (X=Si,Ge,Sn)

To meet the ever-increasing renewable energy demand Half- Heusler (HH) materials can be a potential candidate. Heusler materials are seeking popularity as efficient high-temperature thermoelectric materials. Here we systematically investigated the structural, electronic, mechanical and thermoelectric properties of novel HH compounds ScAgX (X = Si,Ge,Sn) in the framework of the first principles approach. These materials are found to be chemically, mechanically and dynamically stable. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations (BOMD) verify the thermal stability of these materials from 300 K to 1100 K. The semiconducting nature of these materials is confirmed by the electronic band structure. ScAgX (X = Si,Ge,Sn) have an indirect band gap of 0.37 eV, 0.42 eV and 0.38 eV respectively. A high value of Seebeck coefficient of 6351 μV/K, 6955 μV/K and 6558 μV/K has been obtained at room temperature. ScAgSi shows a high value of electrical conductivity (∼106 S/m) among these compounds at room temperature. The calculated value of the figure of merit (ZT) of ScAgX (X = Si,Ge,Sn) is 0.12, 0.08 and 0.16 at 1100 K respectively. Our present investigation shows that these materials can be a potential candidate for high-temperature thermoelectric power generation.

Synthesis of aqueous NiFe2O4-Fe3O4 hybrid magnetic nanofluids and investigation on electrical conducting behaviour

Highly stable aqueous magnetic mono nanofluids of nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4), magnetite (Fe3O4), and hybrid magnetic nanofluids of NiFe2O4-Fe3O4 are synthesized through a two-step method. The structural analysis of the NiFe2O4 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles made through X-ray diffraction identifies their spinel cubic structure. The magnetic studies indicate their superparamagnetic nature, which is further confirmed through the Langevin fitting of the experimental data. The monodomain nature of nanoparticles is verified using the coupling constant, and a spherical morphology is observed using a transmission electron microscope. The surface charge of the nanoparticles is studied through zeta potential analysis. The electrical conductivity of the aqueous mono and hybrid magnetic nanofluids is measured for various concentrations and temperatures. The hybrid magnetic nanofluids show higher electrical conductivity values than those of both the mono nanofluids. For instance, NiFe2O4-Fe3O4 (1.2 vol%) hybrid nanofluid is found to have a conductivity value of 18.91 μS/cm that is 1.5 times enhanced than that of Fe3O4 mono nanofluid (12.87 μS/cm) and three times enhanced than that of NiFe2O4 (6.43 μS/cm) mono nanofluid of same volume percentage at 303 K. A Maximum enhancement of 136 % is obtained for 1.2 vol% hybrid nanofluid with respect to water at 303 K and this enhancement further increases to 196 % with the rise in temperature to 323 K. There is no theoretical model found in literature to explain the electrical conductivity of hybrid nanofluids. Maxwell, Bruggeman, Cruz, and Shen models are applied to explain the conductivity of hybrid magnetic nanofluids. Through a comparison of experimental values with theoretical values, it is found that the Shen model, if modified suitably, can explain the electrical conduction of hybrid magnetic nanofluids. Also, the electrical conduction mechanism in hybrid magnetic nanofluids is described in terms of electrophoretic charge transportation and the Brownian motion. In addition, the magneto-electrical conductivity study is performed by measuring the electrical conductivity by applying a magnetic field of various strengths. The electrical conductivity, magneto-electrical conductivity studies and an understanding of electrical conduction mechanism are highly significant for magnetically transportable electronic cooling and conducting applications of hybrid magnetic nanofluids.

Electrical conductivity of binary magnesium alloys: Integrating first-principles and machine learning studies

The electrical conductivity is the fundamental physical property of Mg alloys and the basic information for the design of comprehensive high-performance Mg alloys. In this work, the electrical conductivity of 29 Mg-based binary alloys has been calculated using the first-principles methods and the main factors have been analyzed by machine learning. It is found that the electrical conductivity values of the binary alloys containing elements located in the s region and p region of the periodic table are bigger than others of alloys contain alloying elements in the f region and d region. The results of machine learning show that the difference ratio of volume (∆V/VMg), extra-nuclear electron configuration and difference of valence () play the main controlling role, followed by solid solubility and electronegativity of the alloying element. For solid solution elements in Mg-based binary alloys, the impact weight on the electrical conductivity is: difference ratio of volume > number of extra-nuclear electron vacancy > difference of valence.

Effect of extracting solvents on physicochemical properties of vegetable seed oils and their suitability for industrial applications

The effects of extracting solvents on the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils extracted from four oil seed plants, namely Dennettia tripetala, Dacryodes edulis, Cola rostrata, and Persea americana, were studied. Vegetable oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method. The oils were used for determining % yield, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. The results revealed that the range of the mean % yield of oils extracted using hexane, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol, respectively, were 7.5-12.0, 9.0-22.0, 7.5-27.5 and 12.0-37.5 for the four oil Seeds respectively. Mean AVs of oils in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 3.1-3.7, 3.1-3.8, 2.5-3.9 and 2.4-2.8 for Cola rostrata, Dacryodes edulis, Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana respectively. Mean IVs of oils in gI2/100 g across the solvents were 33.25-33.97, 33.06-33.35, 32.06-33.76 and 33.00-34.00 for the four oil seeds, respectively. Mean SVs in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 191.00-197.44, 190.74-198.31, 194.11-202.52, and 182.23-199.44, respectively. Mean EC values ranged 0.31-0.32, 0.30-0.33, 0.30-0.33, and 0.31-0.32 μS/cm across the solvents, respectively. Mean pH values ranged from 6.1-6.4, 4.6-6.3, 6.2-6.4, and 6.1-6.3 across the solvents for the oils, respectively. The AVs of the oils suggest that they are edible oils, the IVs classify the oils as non-drying oils suitable for paint making, and SVs reveal that the oils are good for soap making. Hexane, petroleum ether, and CCl4 are suitable for oil extraction industrially, while D. edulis, D. tripetala, and P. Americana oils are economically viable oil resources due to their high percentage yield, SV and IV.

Effect of extracting solvents on physicochemical properties of vegetable seed oils and their suitability for industrial applications

The effects of extracting solvents on the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils extracted from four oil seed plants, namely Dennettia tripetala, Dacryodes edulis, Cola rostrata, and Persea americana, were studied. Vegetable oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method. The oils were used for determining % yield, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. The results revealed that the range of the mean % yield of oils extracted using hexane, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol, respectively, were 7.5-12.0, 9.0-22.0, 7.5-27.5 and 12.0-37.5 for the four oil Seeds respectively. Mean AVs of oils in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 3.1-3.7, 3.1-3.8, 2.5-3.9 and 2.4-2.8 for Cola rostrata, Dacryodes edulis, Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana respectively. Mean IVs of oils in gI2/100 g across the solvents were 33.25-33.97, 33.06-33.35, 32.06-33.76 and 33.00-34.00 for the four oil seeds, respectively. Mean SVs in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 191.00-197.44, 190.74-198.31, 194.11-202.52, and 182.23-199.44, respectively. Mean EC values ranged 0.31-0.32, 0.30-0.33, 0.30-0.33, and 0.31-0.32 μS/cm across the solvents, respectively. Mean pH values ranged from 6.1-6.4, 4.6-6.3, 6.2-6.4, and 6.1-6.3 across the solvents for the oils, respectively. The AVs of the oils suggest that they are edible oils, the IVs classify the oils as non-drying oils suitable for paint making, and SVs reveal that the oils are good for soap making. Hexane, petroleum ether, and CCl4 are suitable for oil extraction industrially, while D. edulis, D. tripetala, and P. Americana oils are economically viable oil resources due to their high percentage yield, SV and IV.

Impacts of climate-smart soil and water conservation practices and slope gradient on selected soil chemical properties in Eastern Ethiopia: A case study of the Kulkullessa Sub-watershed, Goro Gutu District

The productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems are heavily influenced by soil fertility and physicochemical properties. This study investigated the effects of climate-smart soil and water conservation (SWC) practices and slope gradient on selected soil physicochemical properties and soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) in the Kulkullessa Sub-Watershed of Goro Gutu District, Eastern Ethiopia. The research focused on farmland conserved by stone bunds (SB), bench terraces (BT), and grass strips (GS) five years post-implementation, across two slope gradients (15-20% and 21-30%). Twenty-four composite soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed at the Haramaya University soil laboratory. Results demonstrated that climate-smart SWC practices significantly improved soil physicochemical properties and SOCS in the study area. Slope gradients also induced considerable variations in these parameters. Conserved farmland and areas with lower slope gradients exhibited higher clay content and lower sand fractions. Bench terraces were associated with lower bulk density (BD) and significantly higher total porosity (p ≤ 0.05). Conserved farmlands showed higher electrical conductivity (EC) and lower pH values, both statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Stone bunds were most effective in increasing soil organic matter (SOM) content and total nitrogen (TN). Climate-smart SWC practices also enhanced exchangeable bases in the farmlands. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) was significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) on farmland conserved by SB and BT. In conclusion, climate-smart SWC practices demonstrated substantial potential for improving agriculturally and environmentally relevant soil physicochemical properties and organic carbon stocks. These findings underscore the importance of such conservation measures in enhancing soil quality and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region.

Nanostructured inclusions enhancing the thermoelectric performance of Higher Manganese Silicide by modulating the transport properties

Higher Manganese Silicides (HMS) are the best p-type materials beneficial for intermediate-temperature range thermoelectric device applications due to their high thermal stability and inexpensive constituent elements. Although the cost-effective HMS materials possess high thermal stability, they are concerned with high thermal conductivity values. The nanocomposite approach was promised to lower the thermal transport properties without affecting the electrical transport properties, which is experimented in the present work. The higher manganese silicide with varying weight percentages of nano-structured Si0.8Ge0.2B0.02 inclusions was experimented to decrease the thermal conductivity and to enhance the electrical properties. The lowest thermal conductivity value of ≃ 2.24 W/mK was reported with 2 wt% Si0.8Ge0.2B0.02 addition in HMS material. Also, the HMS-2 wt. % Si0.8Ge0.2B0.02 improved the transport properties, electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient values of ≃ 4 × 104 S/m and ≃ 220 μV/K respectively. Furthermore, various mathematical models were proposed here to simulate the composite approach results, which were then correlated with experimental results.